Revolutionary cannabis bill will benefit craft breweries

The Cannabis Legalization Bill, HF100/SF73, was passed in the Minnesota legislature and was signed into law by Governor Walz. This bill, a result of months of hard work, provides a boost to many local breweries and brewpubs throughout the state who choose to produce, package, and sell THC beverages.
As part of this bill, there is language that:
• Allows breweries to continue to sell hemp-derived THC seltzers and other products, which many breweries and brewpubs have done since the passage of hemp-derived THC in the 2022 session.
• Clarifies the distinction between cannabis products and the hemp-derived THC products that breweries and brewpubs produce.
• Provides much-needed statewide guidance on the regulations for small businesses that currently produce or who hope to produce these products.
These changes will positively impact the Minnesota economy in the long-term. Brewery owners will be able to generate new revenue and expand the choices that customers have been asking for, while the additional production and movement of locally-made craft beverages throughout the state will bolster all three tiers of Minnesota’s liquor system as well as Minnesota’s agriculture and tourism industries.
The bill passed with the help of authors and champions Rep. Zack Stephenson (35A), Rep. Jessica Hanson (55A), Rep. Nolan West (52A), Sen. Lindsey Port (55), Sen. Clare Oumou Verbeten (66), and Sen. Erin Murphy (64).
We are proud and thankful that this legislature recognized the need for specific language allowing THC-derived beverages, and how that change will benefit local small businesses. This wouldn’t have happened without the tireless determination and camaraderie of fellow members of the MN is Ready Coalition, who worked to clarify the language and ensure the interests of multiple industries were represented. This bill, plus the omnibus liquor bill that was passed in 2022, collectively impact over 200 breweries and brewpubs throughout the state and provide fresh revenue into an industry that is still recovering from the pandemic.
Craft beverage consumers are encouraged to check out their local breweries and brewpubs for the beverage of their choice.
The law changes are revolutionary regarding hemp-derived THC beverages. Minnesota is truly doing something that no other state is in allowing these beverages to be sold through distribution and retail. Legalization of adult use cannabis is a huge deal for the state, but has also happened in 22 other states. Allowing these beverages to be sold at my members taprooms, bars, restaurants and liquor stores is a first in the country, and we look forward to leading the way!